//** Continuation of chapter 9. (From 9.1) **//

Arata ran after them and they soon left the city. They didn’t go anywhere far though as they soon stopped on small hill where some other players were waiting. The man who introduced himself as Gerald run on the top the hill and shouted.

-everyone, your glorious leader have returned!…

“How can he call himself glorious?” thought Arata seeing this scene.

-you may have waited long but with this I can see your resolve. You there, mage, what was your name again?

-Anari.

-Anari, I have found the person you asked for and kept my promise so you are joining us on adve… .

-Waaaaaaaaaaaa Arata!

It looked like the mentioned mage was the person whom Arata knew well. Anari got up the instant she saw him and started to run in his direction.

“What is she doing here?”

-hey Anari been a wh…-

Arata couldn’t finish as he was ‘hugged to the ground’ by Anari.

-waaaa, Arata been so long, I was looking for you!

-ye been like what few days, anyway get off.

-no, because you will run away…

“How did she know I wanted to do that?”

-anyway Arata you are coming as well, right?

She then asked although Arata had no idea what it was about.

-where and why should I go anywhere with you? I don’t have any quests to help you anymore.

-but aren’t we friends?

-shouldn’t friends know something about each other, do you know anything about me?

-of course I know, you are my friend after all.

-sole name doesn’t count.

-but I know a lot. You are Arata, the good strange person who helps other in needs and even defend them against monsters when they cry in park unable to move. You also force girls into strange places, and ask them to do this and that.

“…”

-HAHAHAHA…

After hearing this the man come to them laughing.

-I see that you are interesting fellow. Your name is Arata correct?

-yes.

-Arata, come with us it will be fun!

Anari still pressed him about something but they she was stopped by the man to whom she referred as leader.

-my good Anari, don’t worry he will come, leave it to me.

-yes leader!

“Who is this guy that Anari is listening to him? I couldn’t get her to listen even though I tried so hard.”

-anyway Arata, once again I introduce myself. My name is Gerald. I am, for now let’s just say leader of this very group.

Gerald introduced himself once again.

-in that case I am Arata, a simple fellow who prefers to be left alone…

Arata also introduced himself in ‘most possible friendly way he could.”

-but I don’t see it happening so what do you want from me?

-straight to the point, I see. In that case I will be quick, right now I am looking for members to my guild and this is the training ground which will decide if you can join or not.

-I see, well, I am not interested in guilds right now so I will be going now.

Arata tried to normally refuse the offer but.

-refusal is not acceptable. If you want, you can write the letter of complaint and I will read it carefully and then ignore it.

Gerald added.

-but I really don’t want to go.

-of course you want to go.

-no I don’t.

-yes you do.

-no I don’t.

-yes you do.

…

After about five minutes elf called Kelly come to Arata and told him to ear.

-give it up he can do it all day.

-no I don’t

-yes you do.

…

The two continued this exchange though.

After about 10 minutes though Arata gave up.

-okay I want to go.

-see I knew it the moment I saw you. Anyway in the test we are going split in two groups of 6 and go to a dungeon.

Gerald continued like last 15 minutes didn’t happened.

-dungeon? Well, it’s normal for party to go to dungeon but why are you calling it a test?

-groups will be leaded by Kelly and me, and we will look at how you guys are doing, those who managed to stay alive to the end and show some promise will join the guild.

-sorry but as I said don’t want to join the guild right now.

Arata really didn’t plan to join guild any time soon, at least until he get some decent levels. He would leave low level guild the second he ding his level so what was the point. But just as Arata refused that, Anari jumped into conversation.

-join the guild Arata, I want to join with you.

Then the elf Kelly added.

-Anari, don’t worry, if Gerald will want Arata in his guild, Arata can’t say anything about it.

-is it true Leader!?

-hahaha Anari you should be worry about getting in first yourself. Anyway, Arata said that he wants to come with us so I can wait for his application until we are done with the test…

“Who said that I want to go?”

-but you two interrupted my grand speech with your touching reunion so I need to start it again.

“What touchy reunion?”

Gerald once again run at top at the hill and started.

-everyone, your glorious le…-

-okay my group! Let’s just ignore that man and go already!

This time Kelly was the one that shouted. Five people that were also there got up and followed her. At that moment Gerald shouted to her.

-KELLY, how could you!?

-FIVE DAYS GERALD, FIVE DAYS!

After that Gerald gathered another three members from a hill and started.

-okay unfortunately my mood was just ruined so you will have to wait to another day to hear my grand speech again.

“At least, I wish I was in other group without this guy.”

Arata looked to the way where Kelly group just went. Anari talked to him.

-Arata, isn’t it great that we are in the same group.

-ye sure.

He answered without energy, at that moment Gerald interrupted him.

-where is your energy Arata? Be happy! Adventure awaits!

-ye sure.

-ah I know, did you perhaps wanted to go with Kelly instead?…

“Looks like he at least knows how much I don’t want to go with him.”

-is it true Arata?

He asked again once again.

-yes, it would be much more enjoyable to be in another group.

At that remark Gerald made his way to Anari.

-I am sorry Anari.

-about what leader?

-looks like you lost your chance.

-what chance?

-you know. Hooking up with Arata.

-but I am not trying to hook up with him we just meet each the other day.

-oh it is good then, your heart won’t be broken.

-why would it broke?

-you see Arata over there as he is now looking sadly in the distance.

-yes, he looks somewhat unhappy.

-it is because he fall in love on first sight with Kelly and now she left him behind alone.

-Arata fell in love in Kelly? How did it happen?

-oh it is quite simple if you want to know.

-what is it, tell me!?

-well it depends on the guys, for example I don’t care about something like that but it looks like Arata likes girls that are gifted by nature in certain areas.

-waaa?

-in short, big boobs. I saw he was looking at Kelly for the whole time that I was speaking with him and he was not looking at the face.

-but, but Arata is a good person he wouldn’t care about something like that.

-you may think that but his actions speak differently go ask him to find out for sure.

As Arata was thinking about how to get away from this situation suddenly Anari come up to him crying.

-waaaaa, Arata it is true isn’t it!

“Ah, what is it again with her?”

-what happened? What is true?

-is it true that you wanted to go with Kelly group?

“What does this have anything to do with her? Well, other group looked like normal group for a dungeon, compared to this one which will surely end up as time waste.”

-yes I would prefer to go with her.

-waaaaa, and I thought you were good person!

-did I ever make anything to be called a bad person?

Arata still had no idea what she was about but he asked.

-but, but!

-what?

-the leader said that you wanted to go with Kelly because you like big boobs, is it true Arata?

“What, what is wrong with her? I already had enough dealing with her in beginner’s city. Give me a break!”

-and why do you just believe everything he says.

-so you don’t like big boobs?

“How can I answer a question like that?”

-well about that, emm…-

-waaaaaaaaaa!

“No fuck it, I am done. I will lose my sanity if I have to deal with those two people at the same time.”

Arata make his way to where Gerald was having a good laugh.

-hahaha, isn’t it funny to see her like that? Hey Arata how do you think?

-bulling others is funny to you?

-but I didn’t say any lie, did I?

-so why is she crying over there?

-isn’t it because of your preference?

“I don’t care about his level anymore.”

Arata had enough and he decided to do something really stupid, his instincts were screaming to him right now to not do it but Arata already decided.

-Gerald, fight with me, if I win you won’t ever get close to me again, simply ‘just leave me alone!’ I don’t really care about your guild, it will disband soon anyway.

-and if you lose?

-it won’t happen but in that case I will put up with everything that you ask. I will even join your guild if I have to.

-hahahahahaha.

Gerald bursted into his childish laughs again.

-what so funny?

-nothing it’s just you are so easy to provoke, anyway I accept your terms but wait a second. HEY ANARI! Be happy again and come here for a moment!

Gerald’s request was really unreasonable but somehow Anari soon came right away and she was not ‘wawawing’ anymore.

-Anari what I just said was a joke.

-hmm, really?

-yes, anyway you know Arata better then me don’t you? Isn’t he the good strange hero that helped you?

-ah! You are right Leader! How could I fall for it, I am so stupid, why did I take it seriously, Arata is a good person, after all. Arata sorry I was tricked. Well, I somehow always get tricked easy.

Anari bowed in Arata direction and right now she was following Gerald’s request ‘be happy’.

-by the way Anari, Arata just challenged me to a duel and said that he will do what I ask of him if he losses. That means he will be coming with us so cheer for me, okay.

“So he really wanted to provoke me, and I fell right into it.”

It was not good day for Arata. First he was outplayed by blacksmith Rodrigez and now this.

-fight? But leader will you be okay?

Anari asked when she finished apologizing.

-oh, you worry about me Anari? That’s sweet but didn’t you want Arata to join as well, with this he won’t be able to refuse anymore.

-but Arata is really, really strong! What if you lose!

-you seem to have big faith in him. It would be good if he really were that strong. But anyway, it shouldn’t take long, just wait and see.

Gerald’s eyes started to shine a little when he said that, he was really confident in his words. Arata once again got chills.

“I going to die, aren’t I? No let’s stop thinking like that. Sure I got provoked, but now that it came to this, I will wipe away that smile from his face. He looks confident so I need to attack fast and do some damage before he realize that this fight isn’t going to be walk in the park.”

Arata prepared a plan, sheath out his weapons and looked at Gerald and then he said.

-don’t you plan to equip a weapon as well?

-no, that isn’t really the best idea. We don’t want to wait ten days for your respawn after all.

-ha, don’t use it as excuse after you lose.

[Sword enchant: Thunder]

[Sword slash]

Arata without a second thought enchanted his weapons with electric energy and sent it in arc against the Gerald who just stood there. It was a perfect surprise attack but the energy stopped on some invisible wall one meter before Gerald and disappeared soon after.

“My strongest skill that eats all mana, just like that?”

Arata could not believe his eyes for a moment.

-haha, Arata I thought you were a swordsman, and here you attack me with magic.

“I thought that it would work as he was relaxed and just as he said he shouldn’t except range attack from me but why didn’t have any effect?”

-and I thought that you were some kind of knight, wearing that armor of yours. And here you stop it with some magical invisible wall, what class are you?

-well my class is a little special but it has nothing to do with this barrier, Sword enchanter. By the way, it’s rude to ask anyone about their classes it’s like asking what your weaknesses are.

“After one look he knows what class I have? But that’s also in a way good, I can surprise him with that.”

Arata had a double class so now that his enemy somehow found out one. He shouldn’t expect skills from his other class.

“Even though I have just one other skill, if I use it in right moment, when he lets his guard down then.”

[Lighting speed activated]

Arata rushed with double speed forward.

-oh, a movement technique, I didn’t know that sword enchanters had something like that.

After reaching him, Arata made a swing with his sword, but that attack was simply caught in Gerald’s left hand.

-I think I saw it before, lighting speed isn’t it? That’s a rare technique to have, because of unbelievable challenge one must complete. Well nowadays it’s probably easier to complete it than it was back in the day.

Second swing, Gerald dodged it to the left, and then he passed by Arata on Arata’s left and hit with his hand in the back of Arata’s head making Arata lost his balance and feel down.

“Not yet.”

Arata stood up from the ground and rushed again this time using only his fighting style. Gerald was dodging it left and right and kept talking.

-hahaha, I like you already, it was good idea to turn off the barrier. It’s refreshing to see a low level player like you. You must have some real fighting experience didn’t you? You definitely didn’t learn it here in such short time. Your style is so good that it’s definitely not something someone just improvised. Actually I don’t know that many people who would be able to stand against you in pure swordsmanship, if you just had some more speed to back it up, still everything will come in time. Still you prove that my idea about this whole thing was correct after all. Anyway Arata, are you ready to finally end it?…

While Gerald was talking Arata was waiting for one moment.

“Now!”

[Black dash]

After another of Gerald’s dodge Arata used his skill and was about to go through Gerald’s body and at least make a single hit on him as so far he didn’t manage to do it.

Black dash, the skill saved him many times in the forest. It was also the only skill that managed to hurt the bear. Arata thought that with this, he had a good chance to make Gerald lose his smile. From the very start he knew that he didn’t have much chance on winning in the first place based on level difference, but he planned to at least have that one hit on him, for his overconfidence and previous jokes.

But as he was about to hit him, Gerald’s hand started to shine a little in red light and he managed to catch Arata’s throat and bring him to the ground.

-so, are you done yet?

Gerald asked in friendly voice while keeping Arata from moving. In this moment there was nothing else that Arata could do.

-okay you won, happy?

Arata admitted the defeat. In this moment, Gerald released his grip and laughed.

-hahaha, yes I am incredibly happy. Ah, Kelly should have seen it. If she did, she wouldn’t complain about those 5 days of wait ever again…

“Ah, I can’t even hate him, when he laughs like that.”

Even though Arata got annoyed by about every fifth word that Gerald said to him, in comparison to Anari, couldn’t have any bad feelings for this guy.

-anyway, Arata you are not disappointed now, are you?

Suddenly Gerald asked a question like that.

-what do you mean?

-you don’t have to hide it. From the very moment you thought that we are some small guild that was recruiting newbies who just started to play, so you didn’t even thought about joining us at all.

-no, I really don’t look for guild right now but well if I am playing this game I would rather play it seriously because if I don’t, there is less fun in it. So yes it was just like you said.

For someone who already experienced pinnacle of gaming, playing casually was not fun anymore. That was actually a demise of many best gamers that reached a point in life while they couldn’t dedicate enough time to playing the game. People like that either played seriously or did not play at all.

-hahaha, I really like your attitude. Actually if this duel did not change your mind I had a lot more in store to show but I see that you understood everything way before we even started that duel. Still, you have to pass the test just like everyone else as it would be unfair. For now I will tell you just this. If you manage to past this test, you surely won’t regret that.

-well, I can take it for leveling guild at least.

-leveling guild haha. Well in the first place our guild still doesn’t even exist so it’s not even a leveling guild yet.

It seemed like Gerald was not someone who would take an offense.

-how many members do you gathered so far?

Arata ended up asking.

-for now it’s me, Kelly and one more guy called Loki.

-from the look of it it’s not even a guild, not with this number at least. It does barely classify as a group.

-that’s why we are looking for new members but we will talk about it on our way to the dungeon. EVERYONE! It’s time to move out!

Anari run up to Arata and started.

-Arata, you lost?

She asked as if she really didn’t believe that.

-and why are you so surprised about that?

-Arata is strong after all.

-not strong enough it seems.

-then why did you start the fight even though you knew that you don’t have much chance, leader is high level after all.

“If he was only high level I would have hit him. At least with black dash at the end but from the very first moment he saw right through me and he was not using any spells either.”

-well… .

-leader is a good person. But Anyway, Arata you should ask for a rematch I am sure that you can win next time.

“Did she just watch the same fight that I just fought? I got owned and pretty badly I must add.”

Arata was not looking for excuses and he completely knew what happened.

-ye, ye, next time.

Gerald heard them and starts to walk next to them.

-hey Arata, did I just heard wrong or you want another round?

-no thank you.

-leader, you might have won this time but Arata still hasn’t showed all that he got.

Anari on the other hand was convinced of her words. Arata did not know where that confidence came from though.

-haha, it’s good that you have a faith in him.

-no only that, Arata has super technique that can kill level 40 monster in one shoot, I even saw him doing that once.

-wow really Arata? No if it’s like that we must continue our fight. I might have ended it too early. Show me that technique.

Gerald asked excited.

-Anari that was just a lucky one time move, don’t think that I can pull that out anytime I want.

-but Arata, you did it like it was the most natural thing to do, you even had a poem for it, although I don’t remember how it went.

-a poem? Technique that you can’t use? You used the basic magic, didn’t you Arata? Now it all makes more sense, no wonder that you got double class…

Gerald arrived in conclusion in like a second.

“How does he know everything?”

-but even after doing all that you ended up dying, pity I must say. If you didn’t die you would easily end up with class of rank one…

Gerald said convinced of his words.

“I knew that death cost me a lot! Damn it!”

And Arata somehow took his words for granted.

-but I guess rank one is not all gold that shines so in fact having rank two is better in many way.

Gerald commented.

-what? Do you happen to have rank one class?

-I wonder about that, do I look like I have it. You shouldn’t assume someone’s strength based on the rank of their classes…

“He definitely has it.”

Arata completely ignored what Gerald just said and arrived at this conclusion.

-speaking of classes you two really suit each other.

Gerald continued.

“What he is on again?”

-could you stop that already?

-what you are embarrass? Hey Anari, you might have a chance after all.

Anari didn’t answer to that. But Gerald didn’t ended it just there and started to sing.

-Arata and Anari were sitting on the tree where they were…-

-what are you a child?

Arata quickly interrupted him.

-sure I am. Being a child is an awesome thing. You can do anything you want and don’t care about consequences.

Gerald answered.

-… .

-Anyway when I said that you suit each other I was telling what I was thinking that’s all.

-hey Anari say something to that because I already have enough.

-emm Arata, I know that you helped me and I really like you but we don’t know each other for too long so for now we should stay a friends. Also, I already have someone important to me, so I can’t.

“Hey, hey, hey what are you saying here? No! I already know what is coming next.”

-hahaha, Arata you get dumped.

-I can’t get dumped when I didn’t do anything.

-don’t worry Arata there are many fish in the sea. You can always try with Kelly, and for a record she doesn’t have boyfriend right now.

-you seem to know for sure. You two know each other from real?

-well, we did meet in real few times yes. As for starting the guild, we started it two months ago, real time.

-so for two months you couldn’t find anyone?

-Arata, you should understand that, what I want is not just a simple guild like you can find at every corner.

-so what do you want to make?

Arata asked.

-I want to make the guild that will rival all others, will stay united under any circumstances. The guild that can become No.1.

-you have ambition for sure, well, in this case maybe I will stay in the guild after all.

-hahaha first you will have to pass the test. Anyway we will ‘soon’ get there.

-right, about that test? The players that pass the test are free to join right? But wouldn’t it be better to look at higher level, rather than in first village?

Arata asked as it seemed to him somewhat strange.

-well sure, at first we were looking for players within our level range but we couldn’t find anyone that would fit the strongest guild. Well I do have few people in mind but they won’t be easily convinced to join if the guild doesn’t even exist.

-so you decided to look for good players on lower levels to create the base.

-looks like you know how it goes.

-Arata, why finding players on low levels help to make a strong guild? Isn’t it better to gather high level players?

Anari interrupted them with yet another newbie question.

-it’s rather simple. On high level good players are already in guilds so it’s hard to find someone that can be of any use. Then if you found someone they probably have their reason for not being in a guild so it’s a lost cause anyway. That’s why, you look for people with low levels who are capable. You help them level up and you have a good loyal members for future. That’s what you are trying to pull out isn’t it, ‘leader’?

-ah Arata, you finally called me a leader, ah I love the sound of it.

Gerald answered.

-as you can see Anari, he is trying to change the subject because what I just told was the truth and he is manipulating us.

-but isn’t it’s natural to stay in the guild that you have joined, right?

Anari answered.

-that’s a good girl, you already show a lot of promise.

-waaa! I do shows promise, Arata did you hear that, I show promise!

-Gerald mind for a second.

Arata started to whisper with Gerald away from Anari’s hearing.

-you do know what Anari can do, right?

-naturally I do.

-no, I don’t think so, you just said that she shows promise.

-well I didn’t saw her fight directly but I heard her story from the forest.

“Hmm, I wonder how did she pass it? It wasn’t that easy and given that she was already in this village few days ago, she did it on the first try.”

-okay, what did she tell you?

-well she got the same challenge that everyone, the one with 150 points.

-if you tell me that she killed a bear I leaving right now. There is no way that you would believe it right?

Arata stated it right away.

-hahaha nothing so extreme. But Arata you found the bear. How did it go?

-well, I survived somehow.

Arata summarized it quickly. His voice told the story though.

-ah, that bear is really broken. I remember when I was fighting him, when I started playing this game. Ah how long ago it was, old good times, good memories.

Arata was not sure if memories concerning that bear could be called ‘good’ by anyone.

-you also fought against him?

-you could say that but it was rather he just hit me three times and I was dead, even my class didn’t save me. No, no, no that bear is not to be killed by anyone. I wouldn’t want to fight it even now.

-you would overpower him with your level today.

-you are probably right but you never know what that bear can have in his sleeves. Anyway, Anari didn’t fight against the bear as she didn’t find him. But she also didn’t attack plants because she said that she can’t simply destroy flowers, she also didn’t attack deer, foxes or bunnies because she said that they look cute.

-so what did she hunted for, was there anything else?

-remember, there was additional note about the other things that could be killed and would give 10 points, right?

-well I didn’t found anything else there. Anyway what did she kill?

Arata got quite interested.

-well, she called them bandits.

Gerald answered with slightly awkward voice.

-bandits? Were there any bandits?

-in theory there shouldn’t be and that’s leaves one explanation.

-… oh… that… I didn’t think about this one.

-no one normally thinks like that. She just killed or rather roasted down 15 other players that were trying to complete the challenge.

-roasted?

-you know mages have their spells, she was spamming fireballs left and right and people died when they go caught in it simple as that.

Gerald explained what tactic Anari used.

-good thing I wasn’t there.

-hahaha, you would manage somehow but she completed the forest challenge without dying, that some achievement. I for example completed it only after 3 deaths.

-you died 3 times?

-well, in my defense it was because I was trying win against the bear as I usually don’t give up that easily.

-ah, that’s explain a lot,

-I thought that there might be some trick to him and decided to face him again and again. But let me tell you. No there isn’t any trick, that bear is just broken. Anyway, returning to the topic, even though Anari sure is quite bad right now, she can do things if she tries hard and has a ‘special’ way of thinking.

-yes special is a right word here.

-also I would say it’s easier to teach someone how to play than find someone with high ranking class like her. But most importantly she has a ‘special talent’ that can bloom so no. I didn’t invite her just because of her class.

At that moment Anari interrupted them.

-hey what are you talking about there I want to listen too.

-nothing really.

Arata answered.

-yes that was nothing Anari. Arata just needed someone to tell his sorrows after you dumped him that’s all.

Gerald had no mercy on Arata though.

-Arata sorry, I didn’t think that you will be so sad about that, maybe I should think about it a little more.

-no you don’t.

-but you were sad, weren’t you? Even though we are friends I hurt you, I am sorry.

-don’t be fooled again Anari, it’s just another plot of his.

-is it true leader?

-of course not, Arata was just saying how he was thinking about you all the time after you separated, how he couldn’t forget the girl from that time and how happy he is as he finally see you again.

He really didn’t have mercy.

-waaaa, Arata is that true? I really didn’t know.

-hey can you stop it, she is taking it way too serious.

-hahaha, never mind him Anari, he is just shy. We also talked about how great the day is today.

-we did that?

Arata first asked.

-why is it great?

Then Anari asked.

-today I finally found someone who I would want in my guild, two people to be exact. They have interesting personalities and good classes. I found two golden eggs, The Twilight Swordsman and The White Wizard. I never thought it will go this well.

“So he did know my other class name as well… wait!”

-Anari, you have a class called the White Wizard?

-yes! Haha, Arata do you finally see me in better light!?

She asked excited.

-no I just thought that the White Wizard sounded too cool for you and you will disgrace that title.

-wawa… .

-hahaha, don’t worry Anari just pass the test and join my guild, then I will teach you how to play.

“Oh, You don’t know what you are getting into.”

-you said earlier that our classes suit each other, but isn’t our classes complete the opposite?

Anari asked.

-opposite attract each other after all.

“I will let you say what you want. It’s just a game anyway. There is no way that I would end up in relationship in the first place. And she is like completely opposite from the type that I could like. And even if I found someone I like, in the end, it would only create problems.”

For past five years Arata didn’t even have anyone who he could call close friend. That was mostly because of how he thought. He could only see disadvantages and problems with it. ‘What problem?’ someone might ask. Problem, that someone would open his old wounds. Wounds that closed down but did not heal. The game was his way to escape so he doesn’t have to think about the pass. He wouldn’t think about ruining his safe place by something so trivial like Gerald’s jokes.

Although there was someone that was seriously thinking about what he Gerald just said. So far the only one that she thought that she could like was her childhood friend so she looked for him. But few days ago, she found out that he is back and even spoken with him. But he ended up forgetting about her completely. They ended up in quarrel and didn’t talk again. She tried to make a contact but it didn’t bring any fruit, and now she was afraid to even speak with him again. Things could go even worse after all. Now she found someone else. Even though she didn’t know him in real life, he was her friend who said that he would protect her if there was a need. He was a person who even if annoyed, would listen to her worries. He was also a person that she still didn’t know much about, but she was thinking about what would happen if they become closer than now? She didn’t plan to do anything about it though. She could not forget about her childhood friend. In the first place the only reason that she was interested in Arata was that he was somewhat similar to him. When she thought about it like that, it would be unfair for Arata to be treated as replacement for her friend. That’s why, no matter what would happen it was impossible for her to truly like him that way. She just decided to enjoy the game with her new friends for now and maybe in a future find a way to regain her lost friendship with her childhood friend.

The group was already walking for 5 hours and yet they still did not arrived at their destination.

-hey Gerald!

-… .

-hey!

The Arata was already little annoyed by the long walk. At first Gerald told them that it’s not so far from town, but now that so much time passed. In addition to that, the one that was responsible for his journey once again ignored him.

-leader, Arata was calling you.

-did he? I didn’t hear anyone calling me.

Gerald played dumb.

-… .

-anyway Arata wanted something?

Gerald asked as he really did not hear anything.

“I am not good at dealing with him.”

-firstly could you stop ignoring me, when I call you?

-you were calling me? I didn’t hear anyone saying ‘Leader’, apart from Anari a second ago.

-your name is Gerald right?

-yes but call me leader, you already called me that once.

-no.

-why!?

-because this way it sounds cool, so it’s annoying to call you that.

-Arata you should be more respectful if you want to join my guild. Call me Leader or I won’t let you join!

-Gerald, Gerald, Gerald.

-now, you were asking for it, okay you can go, I won’t let you join the guild.

-perfect, fine by me. Bye everyone, it was nice knowing you guys, although I didn’t talk to you three.

“Success.”

Arata started to walk away, at that moment Anari moved after him and asked.

-hey, Arata you are not coming?

-Anari sorry, but it looks like I failed the test, it’s really hard test after all. I simply couldn’t do it. Take care.

Then Anari went crying to Gerald.

-waaaa, Leader! What did you do!

-what did I do? Let’s see, I sent him away because he didn’t want to call me leader.

-but Leader!

-yes?

-no one except me is calling you a Leader, so why you sent Arata away if you want to have him in your guild?

-idiot. It’s not decided yet, same goes for you. First you guys need to pass the test, also know that even if you pass I still can make a judgment to not invite you.

-but does test involve calling you a leader? Anyway Arata went the other way already.

-but I want to be called a leader, booooooo!

Gerald sometimes acted like a child. Anari was still persuading him.

-but you also want to have strong guild don’t you? And you told Arata to go away? Where will you find someone better for your guild?

-ah Anari… you simply don’t understand the jokes.

-but Arata is already 50 meters away from us.

Arata was not wasting any minute.

-he is good at joking too. But did you forget what he said?

-there is no time for it!

At that moment Gerald said something louder so Arata could hear him.

-Arata said that he will do anything I ask of him if he loses the duel! I asked him to come with us for the test! And precipice in it, to the end! And you should know that he isn’t someone who broke his promises!

“Aaaaa, I it was such good opportunity.”

Arata went back to the group and right away started.

-let’s talk about this agreement.

-but you were the one that come with it. Now you want to change it?

-no I just want to add some rules.

-rules, fine let’s listen to them.

Gerald was really easygoing.

-first, this only apply to the current exploration nothing more.

-ah, you were worried that I will force you to enter a guild with this, don’t worry. The duel was not fair in the first place so I can comply with it, and it’s not like I have to force on you anything else, just come with us for dungeon is enough. You will want or maybe even already want to join anyway…

“No way! I finally won, against this this guy, I have finally won!”

-…But before that I have one condition…

“…”

-you have to call me a Leader! I want to be called a leader!

And so Arata’s victory did not happen.

-why do you want to be called Leader in the first place?

-the leader should be called leader don’t you think? It’s something I decided,

-the elf didn’t call you Leader at all.

-ah she will learn one day. Anyway you have to call me a Leader and you three too.

He called the three other people that were walking with them. They answered.

-yes!

“I still didn’t even talk with them. I should find out what they can do at least.”

Arata walked to three of them and spoke.

-hey there, I thought that as we are going to be in party for this dungeon we should at least talk to each other once.

The three of them were surprised and happy at the same time, one of them answered.

-well we already know each other quite well, that’s why we separated ourselves. Also we had good topic to talk about.

-good topic like what?

-what three gamers like us can talk about when they meet if not about the games.

-and here I was wasting time when I could find out something useful.

Arata answered.

-we talked about many things. Anyway you wanted something?

-not really I just bored.

-then it’s the same as us. We are walking already for 5 hours.

The other one speak.

-I never heard about dungeons located here.

-wait you have been in dungeons already?

Arata asked surprised.

-I was in one.

-Me too, the one called “Stoneground”

-can you tell me where it is?

Arata finally had an occasion to find out something that would be actually useful.

-you weren’t there before? Sure, we can tell you but it will be easier to check the net. It easier to understand the way, so you will find it quicker.

-the best thing to do though is just to find a group that is going there in Loris. Once you go there you will know the way.

The other one suggested.

-well I was planning to check the net before moving out but just as I arrived in town I somehow ended up here.

-normally players are checking the information is the first thing one do after first month.

-it was my plan but I somehow didn’t do it.

-well sometimes you just can’t stop playing.

-so I wanted to ask. Why you guys want to join the guild of this guy?

Arata pointed the finger at the person walking right next to him and asked the question.

-hey who are you calling this guy, call me a leader!

-sorry, but somehow I just can’t do it, you know it’s like this word is blocked for you.

-call me a leader!

-anyway it’s not nice to spy on someone’s talk, go away!

-but it looked interesting so I came. I bored as well.

Gerald was saying what he wanted without care.

-precisely, we are bored as well how long it is to the dungeon?

-hmm, one, two, three, no was it four…

“Another four hours?”

-about forty minutes.

Gerald finally answered.

-what with this precise answer?

-anyway continue the talk. I want to listen what you guys talk about.

-hey… .

Arata thought that it was rather hard to have a talk with this guy around but the three didn’t think that, and started.

-anyway Leader, will you really let us join if we survive the dungeon.

-well that’s what the test is about after all. But I will be watching so don’t try to cheat.

-yes Leader!

“What a strange bunch.”

Arata couldn’t fully understand them and asked.

-anyway why do you guys want to join so hard?

-you don’t know? Joining a guild with high level player in it has many benefits.

-like?

-information at least. Also guild name to hide behind.

They seemed serious but Arata was not convinced.

-information well sure, but can’t you just check the net?

-of course if you check the net, you will get many informations, but internet doesn’t have all things that there out there.

-you just didn’t look good enough then.

-no, it’s because that there aren’t that many of them.

-what are you saying? I found like million pages on search page.

“I didn’t check them though.”

-yes but information on those are lacking, and everyone else is already using it so for example if you find information about dungeon like stoneground and spread it around, everyone will be going there right?

-well that’s normal as everyone wants their items. Wait you are telling me that dungeons are joined together?

Arata asked as he found it strange.

-yes normally in games you have different space for every group but here there is nothing like that, everyone enters the same spot and hunt in the same dungeon.

The other added.

-still the dungeons are big so many groups can enter. Anyway information is not that easy to get, for two reasons. First the game developers don’t give you any information at all as they simply don’t have any. Everything you can hear from them is only their speculations. And the second, people doesn’t want others to know their secrets that they worked so hard to find… .

-well that’s normal.

-in this game every single information is on value of gold, that’s also the main reason that media about it are so popular.

-media?

-there are few programs about it. You should watch at least the one called “weekly EOA”, their informations are of high caliber. They also sometimes show a film from adventures of high level players, those are always something to look forward to.

-the game is really popular.

-of course it is, just look at this world.

One of three that was speaking spread his hands around.

-but it means that there is information after all.

Arata pointed it out.

-well there are always people that give something away if they don’t need it anymore. That’s where it comes from mostly. Still joining the guild with high level players is the best option for us.

-hey Arata you should look and learn from them, you would know what is good for you.

Gerald commented.

-I don’t think that you look like person who would give away his information easily and definitely not for free.

-well, that’s true but for my guild I will do anything. Remember the words that I will say, there are many merits from joining my guild.

-Leader!

The three looked at him with admiration. Arata didn’t get fooled by this lie.

-but first you need to past the test. Well you could say that test itself is good information so you didn’t waste your 5 days for nothing.

Gerald added.

-how hard is that test anyway?

Arata asked because he also got interested.

“I will probably be able to anything he can ask from low level player and after I pass I will tell him, no thank you. Ah I can’t wait for this moment.”

Arata was still jumping between wanting to join and not wanting to join. That was because every time he finally thought like joining, he would get annoyed by Gerald again and once again Arata wouldn’t feel like joining anymore.

-ah, it shouldn’t be that hard, I even changed it a little especially for you guys.

Gerald answered.

“I have a bad feeling about it.”

-you change it? But we are still completing the dungeon, are we?

One of the three asked.

-we are nearly there, so it’s a good opportunity to talk about it. Hey Anari come here for a moment!

Gerald called out to the slow walking mage at the back.

-what is it leader?

Anari quickly run up to them after being called.

-I will now explain the test so listen. Let’s see… test actually starts the moment I see someone on the street that doesn’t look like clone. Then I talk with them for a moment, if they don’t have some stupid profession and I like them, they mostly end up going to the test.

-and how do you know someone’s profession?

Arata asked.

-naturally I ask everyone nicely and people answer, right guys?

Gerald looked at other three and Anari.

-well we did answer him because it looked like we can gain something from it.

One of the three answered.

“Greed is everywhere.”

-well in this part of test there can be some exceptions but I mostly gather people from the streets of Loris and offer them the place in my guild if they pass the rest of the test.

-everyone is chosen by you?

-Loki is choosing people for test on his own as it’s easier if we are doing it separately.

-Loki, that other member of guild?

-yes. Anyway after finding enough people, I assign them to my group or Kelly’s one and we go to dungeon to see what people we found are really made off.

-but does something like that really show if someone is suited for your soon to be strongest guild?

-it’s a good question, I wonder that myself. The whole idea with inviting promising low level players didn’t went exactly like I planned so far.

-it is the first time you do it so you can’t judge it now.

At that moment the three interrupted Arata.

-first time? No, he is doing it for some time already.

One of them said.

-didn’t you say something like you started your search just recently five days or something?

Arata asked.

-no, five days have passed since our last test and before that there were already three other turns.

Gerald explained.

-so you are already on it for some time.

-not really, each turn normally ends up rather fast. Second turn for example didn’t take more than one day for each group.

-then this test is easy if you say that you can complete it so fast.

Arata was somewhat disappointed.

-no, it ended like that because everyone died on first pack so all we did was go to dungeon and then I had to alone come back again all the way.

The disappointment disappeared instantly though.

-first pack? Well it happens sometimes? Anyway how many people have passed so far?

-I already mentioned the current members of our guild so right now we have zero new members that passed the test.

Gerald said proudly, although what he said should not be said in that way.

-zero! No way! I saw the last group some of they looked strong.

Said one of three.

-last group? Yes, it wasn’t that bad last time. Still, not good enough. Now that I think about it I should more carefully pick up the players.

Gerald answered.

“Rather you came up with some stupid idea for your test, and no one can pass it.”

-so you changed the test so it is easier? I can’t say its worst option considering that you want to find someone who can pass the test.

-Leader thought about us and made it easier. Once again we are surprised by his kindness.

-waaaa! Leader is it true?

The three and Anari were already eating from Gerald’s hand.

-hahaha, maybe I should tell you guys first where we went last time. Kelly group went there this time as well… anyway you all have less than level 20 just like the previous groups. We will simply go to dungeon that would suit your level and see how it goes.

“That’s simple, although I not convinced it’s a good way to search for really good people. Well, I am at level 12 right now so if they went for level 20 with party of 12 it might create some problems.”

Arata quickly analyzed information, one of three asked.

-so what was the level of dungeon?

-it was only 27, but no one could complete it. Strange, isn’t it?

“…”

Hearing this information the three bursted.

-hey I am at 17! How can I do a dungeon for level 27?

-me too, I am level 19 and there is no way that anyone could complete it with level like that.

“17, 19 better than me at least but they said that they were on dungeon so it’s normal. But doing dungeon for 27th level out of sudden? Isn’t it stupid to even think about it? One shot and you die.”

Then one of the three said with a smile.

-so Leader you changed it to something easier so we can pass right?

To that Gerald answered and crushed his hopes.

-not really, this time we are going to different dungeon because I got bored of the view on the way to the previous dungeon. Anyway don’t worry. The challenge itself doesn’t really change much. It’s only 30th level dungeon now. If you were going to die at 27th level dungeon then three level difference won’t mean much.

“30th level!! What does he expect from us? Sure I somehow defeated wolf at level 40 but it was only because it was a specific monster. Also dungeons always have better enemies than those on the field. And if this isn’t enough there is a boss at the end, who can be up to level 60 in this case.”

Arata knew that Gerald had crazy ideas but that was rather too much to ask. Although, Arata didn’t say anything he looked a little unsure about the whole thing. The three on the other hand started their lament.

-there is no way, Leader!

-it’s impossible!

-the dungeon called Stoneguard that I went to was for my level and I still died twice before I completed it!

Gerald answered to them unsatisfied by their complains.

-aaaaa, don’t give up before you even start. I don’t want any miracles from you, well at least not just yet.

-but leader it’s really impossible!

-yes, you do ask for miracle!

-what you guys are scared?

Gerald asked while fainting surprise. The three answered together.

-YES!

It was rather normal even if it was a game dying is hurting as hell. Even Arata didn’t want to end up dying if he could help it. He already experienced it once. It wasn’t the best feeling. He also felt really strange and sick after coming out from capsule after that happened. Strangely enough, in comparison to everyone surprise Anari wasn’t scare at all.

In the meantime the three continued.

-leader we don’t want to die!

-aaaaa! What men are you? Here look at our mage, she isn’t scared at all. Learn from her!

Gerald pointed at Anari while saying that.

-wow she really isn’t!

The three then looked at Anari with surprise.

“Strange, why isn’t she going wawawa?.”

Gerald also expected a different reaction from her although he was glad it turned out like this. But it was so strange that he had to ask her where her confidence coming from?

-hey Anari you don’t care about dying?

-em no, why would I?

-ah yes, just to clarify things, I am here just to watch how you guys do. I won’t be helping or interfering at all.

“We are doing this by ourselves? No, that’s game over. Ah, it’s good that I have my sacrifice skill so I won’t lose levels. Two days aren’t that bad. I will finally check the internet for information.”

Arata also gave up as he heard Gerald remark. He wasn’t scared, he was simply realistic.

-I am not scared and I somehow knew that leader won’t join us. Previous group died on first pack after all if you helped them that would not happen. But anyway, I won’t die for sure.

Anari strongly denied that she isn’t scared or have any doubts about losing. Even Gerald was surprised by it.

-oh, you have that much confidence in you skill? Ah, such brave mage I did found.

-no, I am not brave. Also I am rather a beginner who doesn’t know left from right. I can use only two spells out of six that I have.

“Looks like she knows where she stands.”

-so why are you saying that you won’t die?

Gerald finally asked.

-it’s because Arata will defend me for sure.

Anari smiled without a worry, and then everyone looked at Arata with suspicious glance. Arata quickly asked.

-how did you come up with that?

-but you said that I won’t die if I am close to you. You are also good strange person and I can trust you.

Gerald burst into laughter.

-hahaha, Arata you said that you didn’t care before. But now I see that you are a fast player. Good work! …

Gerald showed him the thumb.

“Idiot.”

-oh we finally arrived so I will annoy you about it later. But for now, you should get started with this test.

“At least we have finally reached this point.”

//** This chapter is still far from over. Continue to part _9.3 **//

http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=333&t=3044